“I bought stuff for her and the babies on your behalf.”

“You were nice to your sister and said it was me?”

“Well, you couldn’t visit her—or call her.”

“How often do you see them?”

“On weekends, and sometimes I drop by for dinner on weeknights, but I have to avoid them for now.”

“Tell them I’m annoying to live with, and we broke up.”

I nod and smile. “That’s a good idea,” I say and set the dish I’m washing into the dishwasher.

Valerie walks over to where I stand and pulls on my shirt. “Can you watch Little Foot with me, please? It’s scary.”

I dry my hands, pick her up, and finish setting up the dishwasher with my free hand. Claire watches me from her seat. Lucas is right next to her.

“Hey, can we run next door for a couple of things?”

Claire looks at Valerie and then at me and nods a couple of times. At home, I set Val on the couch for a second while I pop some popcorn and we head back to her aunt’s. Valerie and I take a seat next to Claire and Lucas.

In less than five minutes, Valerie’s small head leans on my side, while she hugs her purple blanket, and her eyes are closed.

“Don’t move,” Claire whispers. “If you do, she’ll wake up. and she won’t be happy.”

We watch the end of the movie before they decide to put on the sequel. Around eight, there’s a knock on the door and whoever it is, opens it.

Another version of Claire, who is a couple of years older and a few inches taller, walks into the apartment. She stares at me and then at Claire. The guy behind her frowns.

“How were they?”

“You’re going to have to take the mural we made, sorry.”

“At least I don’t have to travel with it,” Nikki says and focuses on me. “Why is he here?”

“Your friendly children invited him over. I’m just glad Aiden wasn’t here,” she answers.

“Nikki and Craig, meet Miller Archer, my former boss. Miller, this is my sister and brother-in-law.”

“Claire.” Her sister’s voice is loud.

“He’s leaving. I already told you the rest.”

“Thomas doesn’t know.”

“I don’t have bail money,” she says and stretches. “Maybe I’ll tell him later. I’m heading to the bar.”

Suddenly, her brother’s warning makes sense. He’ll be watching me. He knew she was back in town.

“You’re going to help him?” Craig asks.

“No, Danielle set me up on a date,” she grunts.

I rise from my seat and say, “It’s nice meeting you.” I wish it was under different circumstances.